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Kira Chathli - Surrey & MI London player

Cricket became an important part of my life through my family. I grew up watching my dad play club cricket in England and when we visited his family in Delhi we’d play street cricket with relatives and friends. That’s where I really got the feel for the game. When we came back home, I kept watching, kept asking to play and eventually found my way in through coaching courses and junior cricket.

For a long time, I didn’t see cricket as a career option. I was often one of the only girls playing, especially at school where there were lots of boys’ teams, so a professional pathway wasn’t something I’d really considered. The offer a of contract came at the right time and genuinely changed my life, opening up opportunities I hadn’t imagined.

From starting out at Dulwich Cricket Club from a young age, I progressed through the Surrey pathway, representing them at senior level and now captaining their 50-over side. Alongside that I’ve played in The Hundred and I’m now part of the England Women ODI squad. It’s a journey I’m incredibly proud of.

The highlights of my career have often been team moments. I’ve loved being part of wins, especially the close, hard-fought games where everyone has to dig in and contribute. Seeing teammates succeed and develop is also a big part of what makes the game special to me.

To any woman or girl thinking about getting involved, I’d say that cricket is a varied sport with so many ways to be part of it. Whether you want to play, coach, officiate, volunteer or work in the game, there are opportunities for lots of different skills and interests. If you love it, pursue it.